If an encounter with Fido spells sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose, there’s a good chance you have an allergy to dogs. Many dog owners are allergic to their pets, experiencing symptoms that make ownership downright uncomfortable. The good news is, you don’t have to suffer. In the following pages, you’ll learn where your allergy to dogs comes from; how to minimize your allergies; and what breeds wreak the least havoc on your sinuses.

Dander and AllergiesSomeone with an allergy to dogs isn’t allergic to the dog, but the dander it produces. Dander is located within the skin cells of a dog. Each time the dog sheds its skin (between 3 and 20 or so days, depending on the breed) its dander is released into the dog’s environment. How frequent a dog sheds its skin varies by breed, so while there is no truly hypoallergenic dog, there are breeds that shed less often than others. Some dog allergies also stem from a dog’s saliva.

Since a dog’s skin cells are its primary allergen, your allergy to dogs doesn’t necessarily correlate with the length or amount of hair on the dog. However, pollen, mold and dust particles do naturally collect on a dog’s fur. During the course of a dog’s day, he naturally spreads these allergens throughout your home. These allergens and their sticky, lightweight nature can make life uncomfortable for someone with dog dander allergies.

Symptoms of an Allergy to DogsThe symptoms of a dog allergy are very similar to that of a cat allergy. Pet allergies can also trigger asthma, especially childhood asthma in the youngest members of the family, so you'll want to control allergies as much as possible. The nasal congestion from allergies leads to sneezing, a runny nose and red, itchy eyes.

You might also experience a scratchy throat or voice loss, headaches, reddened skin, hives or coughing. These symptoms commence upon exposure to the dog and typically end a short time after you’ve exited the dog’s environment.

Some allergy specialists prescribe antihistamines to combat the effects of an allergy to dogs. Others advocate immunotherapy for severe allergies, in which a person is supervised by a medical professional and exposed to the allergen in small doses over many months. If you think you might have a pet allergy, consult an allergy professional or your general practitioner – who can properly diagnose your condition.

Best Dog Breeds for People with AllergiesSince a dog’s dander lies within its skin cells, there are no dogs that are completely free of dander or allergens (even hairless breeds). As an allergy sufferer, what you’re looking for in a dog are breeds that shed their skin less frequently. A dog that sheds every 21 days is far less likely to irritate your allergies than a dog that sheds every 3 or 4 days. In general, since a smaller dog has fewer overall skin cells than a larger dog, small breeds are typically more appropriate for those with an allergy to dogs than are large breeds. The following breeds are listed on the American Kennel Club website as breeds that produce less dander.

Poodles, bichons frises, Kerry blue terriers, Irish water spaniels, Portuguese water dogs and Bedlington terriers are all listed as breeds that produce less dander. These dogs shed very little (if at all) so the dander they do produce isn’t as prominent as it is in other breeds.

These breeds range in size from the tiny miniature poodle to medium-sized dogs such as the standard poodle, Portuguese water dog and Irish water spaniel. Poodle mixes like the labradoodle often similarly share the poodle’s excellent reputation for not irritating an allergy.

Schnauzers, soft-coated wheaten terriers and Malteses are also allergy-friendly breeds. A schnauzer’s undercoat requires frequent grooming to keep it from matting; this brushing also helps keep dander at bay. Since the Maltese only has a single coat, the dander that would be produced by an undercoat is eliminated entirely. A soft-coated wheaten terrier doesn’t shed seasonally the way other breeds do; frequent combing with a medium-toothed comb is all a wheaten terrier needs to remove stray loose hairs. So long as a wheaten terrier is well groomed, it will hardly shed at all.

Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese crested. The nearly unpronounceable Xolo is a rare hairless breed that was used in Mexico as a healing, living hot water bottle. It sheds rarely and is exceptionally good for allergy sufferers. The Chinese crested can be hairless; have hair on the head, tail and feet; or completely covered in hair. Some individuals are allergic to the fully covered Chinese crested, but not the hairless variety. The breed has a single coat of hair and sheds its skin very infrequently.

If you have a severe allergy to dogs, carefully consider dog ownership. While some breeds are better than others, there are no truly hypoallergenic dogs. There are a few breeds that should be avoided entirely, since they renew their skin so frequently as to pose a consistent threat to someone with severe allergies.

Cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, Irish Setters, German Shepherds and Basset Hounds in particular are known to shed their skin every 3 or 4 days. While some people with dog allergies can safely tolerate living with these breeds, if your allergies are severe, you may want to avoid this risk.

How to Reduce Dog Allergens in Your HomeRegardless of the dog breed you own, there are several general tips to minimize your exposure to dander and avoid aggravating your allergies. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day and always after coming into contact with your dog. If your allergies are severe, also consider changing your clothes in addition to washing your hands.

Dander is sticky and can adhere to walls, flooring and other hard substances. A consistently clean home minimizes your family’s exposure to dander. Using allergy avoidance cleaning products, especially those from well-established brands, zeroes in on allergens as you clean. Allergens can also collect on carpeting, draperies and upholstered furniture; if these fabrics are non-negotiables in your home’s décor, clean them frequently. HEPA approved air cleaners and vacuums work wonders for families with allergies; their filters are exceptionally proficient at collecting dander and allergens. To rid your home of dog dander, a pet-specific vacuum with a HEPA filter is your best bet. If you have central air or air conditioning, make sure to replace your filters frequently.

Another easy way to minimize pet dander is to monitor your dog’s diet and grooming closely.

A diet that is high in fat helps prevent dry skin on your dog; making sure your dog’s skin and coat are healthy ensures less dander is introduced to your home. A regular grooming schedule of washing and brushing will also cut down on the allergens in your environment. For severe allergies, consider restricting the dog’s access from rooms in which an allergic individual spends the most time.

Having an allergy to dogs doesn’t automatically prevent you from ever owning a dog. You’ll just need to stay on top of the allergens that make your life uncomfortable. By keeping your home as clean as possible; using allergen-reducing products; and grooming your pet regularly, you’ll already have made major headway in cutting down the dander in your home. By selecting a dog breed that sheds its skin less frequently, even fewer allergens are released into your environment. With these preventive measures, you ensure that your home is as comfortable for you as possible despite your allergy to dogs.

Which Dog Is Right For You?

If you have been thinking about getting a family companion, you might want to consider which dog breed fits your lifestyle best. Choosing right dog breeds can save you time, frustration, and money down the road. Not all dog breeds are alike, and finding the right dog for you takes some special consideration. Take this dog quiz to help determine which type of dog will be a great match for you and your lifestyle.